Thailand pub fire death toll reaches 30

Thailand pub fire death toll reaches 30

A deadly fire at a live music pub in Thailand’s capital has claimed 30 lives, while dozens of others remain injured, prompting authorities to launch an investigation and tighten safety inspections across Bangkok.

The fire broke out shortly before midnight on Sunday at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, a popular pub in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. Witnesses said they heard an explosion before flames and thick smoke rapidly spread through the single-storey building.

Officials confirmed on Tuesday that three more victims had died in hospital, raising the death toll to 30. Twenty-four people remain in critical condition, while many others have received treatment and returned home.

The pub sits near major train stations and shopping malls in an area known for its busy nightlife, attracting large weekend crowds with live music, food, drinks and sports screenings.

Investigators suspect an electrical fault in a ceiling-mounted air conditioner may have sparked the blaze. Police are also examining whether blocked emergency exits and flammable materials used in the venue’s decorations or soundproofing contributed to the high number of casualties.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the city had formed a committee to review the incident and identify improvements to existing safety regulations. He also announced stricter and more frequent inspections of entertainment venues.

Police have questioned 34 people so far and said they will decide on possible legal action after completing the investigation. The pub owner remains in intensive care following injuries sustained in the fire.

At a Bangkok morgue, grieving families gathered to receive the bodies of their loved ones as rescue workers and forensic teams continued their work. Outside the pub, relatives mourned the victims while investigators collected evidence.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the pub expressed condolences to the victims’ families, apologised for the tragedy and said it would fully cooperate with the investigation. The venue has not responded to further requests for comment regarding the preliminary findings.